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Anna Young > Intel > 10 Basic Home Repair Projects for any Skill Level

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10 Basic Home Repair Projects for any Skill Level

By Alisa Davis

Some home repairs are too large for the average homeowner to do by themselves, but there are other projects that any homeowner can do. Some of these projects improve your home and save you time, money and energy once they are completed.

Replace Showerhead
Fixing your showerhead usually requires little to no skill. Simply unscrew the old showerhead, buy a replacement and screw it in place. New water saving models will save money on your water bill.

Stop Drafts
Check around any opening in your house for drafts. You can use a piece of Kleenex or toilet paper to find them. Simply hold a piece of Kleenex in front of a window or door, and see if it flutters. If it does, then you need to weatherproof your opening. You can simply add weather stripping around your window or door, or you may have to caulk around your openings as well to fill any tiny cracks.

Change Air Filter
Your HVAC system has an air filter in it. When they are dirty, your system has to fight to get air, and it runs less efficiently. Check and change them monthly.

Re-Caulk Tub
Replacing the caulking around a shower or tub is a job that anyone can do. All you need is a putty knife to dig out the old caulking, and then you can apply the new caulk. By keeping your caulk in good repair, you can help water damage from occurring.

Fix Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet or running toilet is not only annoying, but it is a huge water waster. Usually a faucet only needs a new washer, and you can buy a kit to replace parts in your toilet. Both are simple and cheap fixes that will help you save a lot of money.

Maintain Washing Machine
Check to see if your washing machine is filling as fast as it should. If it is not, then check the inlet screen as it may be clogged. Unplug the machine and turn off the water. Then unscrew the water hoses and lay them in a bucket. The inlet screen is on the back of the washer, and there are two of them. Remove them and slip a new screen in place. Then reattach hoses and plug the machine’s electric cable back into its socket.

Keep Gutters Clean
By keeping your gutters clear and clean, you can prevent ice damage. Check your gutters at least twice per year, and make sure that all water drains away from your home’s foundation.

Adjust Hot Water Heater Temperature
Lower your hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to save energy and money; 120 degrees is still hot enough to clean your dishes and clothes, but not so hot to waste energy or cause a scalding burn. You should also cover your water heater in a blanket for insulation.

Fix Loose Hinges
Check your doors for loose hinges and tighten them. If your screws are stripped, you can buy a repair kit at the hardware store. It will have a longer screw and metal mesh panel to tighten the hole.

Replace Light Bulbs
If you replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs, you can save electricity and money. They are much more energy efficient and they last longer; remember that they contain mercury and they require special disposal.

Photo from Flickr - "Fixing the deck" courtesy of Lars Plougmann .

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Contributed by Anna Young on February 19, 2010, at 1:43 PM UTC.

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You should consider writing a book on this kind of stuff complete with pictures. Yeah, it's been done before, but you have a great way of explaining things.

James Emery Vigh Feb 20, 2010 09:05

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